Nuclear Power Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Nuclear Power Technology is a specialized field focused on equipping professionals with the scientific and technical expertise required to support the safe and efficient operation of nuclear reactors and the management of nuclear materials. This program emphasizes practical application in real-world environments, preparing individuals to contribute to critical infrastructure in energy production, research, and environmental safety.
- Basic Nuclear Physics: Explores the fundamental principles governing atomic structure, nuclear reactions, and radiation, providing a scientific foundation for understanding reactor operations and material behavior.
- Nuclear Engineering Fundamentals: Covers core engineering concepts specific to nuclear systems, including reactor design, heat transfer, and neutron dynamics, essential for system performance and optimization.
- Safety and Monitoring Procedures: Focuses on protocols and technologies used to continuously assess reactor conditions, detect anomalies, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards to prevent incidents.
- Radioactive Materials Handling and Disposal: Addresses the safe transport, storage, and long-term management of radioactive substances, including regulatory frameworks and environmental protection strategies.
- Equipment Maintenance and Operation: Trains students in the upkeep, troubleshooting, and operational control of complex nuclear systems and auxiliary machinery critical to plant functionality.
- Technical Record Keeping: Emphasizes accurate documentation of operational data, safety inspections, maintenance logs, and compliance reports to ensure transparency and regulatory adherence.
Nuclear Power Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Nuclear Power Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Nuclear Power Technology degrees, including Nuclear Power Reactor Operators and Nuclear Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 11,710 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Power Reactor Operators 51-8011 | $122,610 | $99,300 - $152,690 | 5,720 | $58.95 |
| Nuclear Technicians 19-4051 | $104,240 | $64,370 - $126,890 | 5,990 | $50.11 |
Nuclear Power Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $94,620 in Tennessee to $126,490 in New York—a 34% difference. The highest-paying states include New York, Ohio, and Florida. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 11,710 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Nuclear Power Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 11 institutions offering Nuclear Power Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Nuclear Power Technology is found at Aiken Technical College (ATC) (52 graduates), Connecticut State Community College (CT State) (16 graduates), State Technical College of Missouri (State Tech) (16 graduates), Wharton County Junior College (WCJC) (10 graduates), and Lakeshore Technical College (LTC) (5 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 111 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiken Technical College (ATC) |
Other Award
|
52 | Graniteville, South Carolina | Public | atc.edu |
| Connecticut State Community College (CT State) |
Associate's
|
16 | Hartford, Connecticut | Public | ctstate.edu |
| State Technical College of Missouri (State Tech) |
Associate's
|
16 | Linn, Missouri | Public | statetechmo.edu |
| Wharton County Junior College (WCJC) |
Associate's
|
10 | Wharton, Texas | Public | wcjc.edu |
| Lakeshore Technical College (LTC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Cleveland, Wisconsin | Public | gotoltc.edu |
| Thomas Edison State University (TESU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Trenton, New Jersey | Public | tesu.edu |
| Salem Community College (SCC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Carneys Point, New Jersey | Public | salemcc.edu |
| Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Wilmington, North Carolina | Public | cfcc.edu |
| Arizona State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Siena Heights University (SHU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Adrian, Michigan | Private | sienaheights.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNR) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Reno, Nevada | Public | unr.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Nuclear Power Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Nuclear Power Technology degree?
Salaries for Nuclear Power Technology graduates vary by role and location. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators earn a median of $122,610 annually, while Nuclear Technicians earn around $104,240. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New York average $126,490 compared to $94,620 in Tennessee. Approximately 11,710 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Nuclear Power Technology programs?
Currently 11 accredited institutions offer Nuclear Power Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Aiken Technical College (ATC) (52 graduates), Connecticut State Community College (CT State) (16 graduates), and State Technical College of Missouri (State Tech) (16 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Nuclear Power Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 152 in 2010 to 111 in 2023-24. This represents a 27% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Nuclear Power Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Nuclear Power Reactor Operators, Nuclear Technicians, . Related occupations employ approximately 11,710 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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